The Government has tightened its rules with what can and cannot happen at a business event or business meeting.
In guidance updated on 14 December, no form of social element is permitted unless in line with Covid-secure guidance, and then in an appropriate venue. However, there is no cap on numbers of what the Government refers to as essential work, education, or training events.
The updated visitor economy guidance reads: “If the nature of this event becomes primarily a social gathering then the social contact restrictions apply, and the activity must stop if it breaches them.
“This means that things like post-work drinks or festive celebrations must not take place in breach of the rules. Those participating in such a gathering could be fined, as could any hospitality premises that are hosting it.”
Events must not contain social networking elements such as receptions, and private dining and banqueting events remain prohibited. Organisers and venues can face large fines if found to be contravening the rules.
The guidance says: “Event organisers should consider limiting the sale of alcohol at events; where alcohol is sold, all restrictions for hospitality venues must be followed.”
Those attending any form of business event are also instructed to wear a face covering.
People who are working at a meeting or event, or are attending the event for the purposes of their work, are not bound by the rules on social contact i.e., the rule of 6 in Tier 1 or the single household rule in Tier 2. However, the Government says anyone attending larger events should do so either alone or in groups as small as possible and should avoid mixing and switching between groups wherever possible.
The updated guidance adds: “People who are neither working at the event nor attending the event for the purposes of their work must adhere to social contact rules (i.e., the rule of 6 in Tier 1 or the single household/bubble rule in Tier 2). This may be the case if, for example, you are attending a trade show or exhibition as an individual consumer.”
Social distancing must always be maintained.
The Government says that the updated measures are intended to allow the measured reopening of the business events sector in order to allow activity such as B2B engagement or B2C trade, but it continues to discourage businesses from holding business events for the purposes of gathering staff if not essential.
In a further adjustment to the guidance, it has now been confirmed that event capacity figures do not include venue staff.
Tier 1 (Medium) areas sees business meetings and events permitted at a cap of 50% of the venue’s capacity or 4,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors, whichever is lowest. This capacity refers to the total number of people per event and does not include venue staff. Similar rules apply in Tier 2 (High) areas, with the key difference being a reduction to 2,000 people permitted in outdoor settings. The capacities refer to those in attendance, not venue staff.
In Tier 3 areas, the updated guidance says large business events such as conferences, exhibitions and trade shows are not permitted, with the exception of drive-in events.
Smaller business meetings are advised against but may take place with up to a total of 30 people if reasonably necessary, for example for the purposes of work that cannot be done at home, if social distancing can be maintained and the venue can demonstrate it has followed the Covid-19 guidance.
Larger events taking place in Tier 1 and 2 areas will need to follow the All Secure Standard, which can be read here. Smaller business meetings will follow guidance from the Meetings Industry Association’s Covid-19 guidance, which can be read here.
